Real Estate Law in North Carolina
Chapel Hill's real estate industry is controlled by a huge body of laws. This is because almost any real estate transaction invokes laws regarding civil rights, consumer protection, land use, and contracts.
Real estate law in Chapel Hill can be fairly intricate, especially when it comes to things like mortgages and the resolution of disputes over construction defects.
Therefore, it's a good idea to learn some of the basics of Chapel Hill's real estate laws.
If you have even a little bit of basic familiarity of applicable real estate law, your life will probably be a great deal easier. If you have some understanding of the law, your knowledge will likely put you in a better bargaining position.
Common Real Estate Law Issues in Chapel Hill
Financing: The majority of people in Chapel Hill can't afford to make a major real estate purchase by paying the full purchase price up front. Most persons and small businesses, therefore, use a mortgage to make real estate purchases. A mortgage is a loan authorized for the purpose of buying a piece of property, with the bank obtaining a security interest in that property until the loan and interest are paid off.
Zoning: Zoning regulations control what types of structures are allowed on various parcels, based on their location in a municipality. For example, some areas in a city might be zoned only for residential use. Another area might permit industrial use. These rules are meant to keep property values up, and promote harmony among neighbors by preventing conflicts.
Duty of Disclosure: Sellers of homes are bound by a legal duty to disclose defects in the home to prospective buyers, before they purchase the house. Any defect which the seller knows (or reasonably should know) about, and which cannot be discovered by the buyer through an usual inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.
Implied Warranties: In Chapel Hill, every residential lease agreement, whether it's specifically stated or not, has an "implied warranty of habitability." This is a legally-imposed promise by the landlord that the rented dwelling (whether it's a house or apartment) is fit for habitation by humans. While there are many requirements for a place to be considered habitable, some of the most important ones are electricity, running water, heating, and protection from the elements.
Can a Chapel Hill Real Estate Lawyer Help?
The issues discussed here, along with others, can be intricate and intricate. Therefore, if you have any questions on this subject, you should not hesitate to ask a Chapel Hill real estate lawyer.